Flight of the Phoenix Read Online Free Page A

pleasure.”
    Quinn’s eyes flew open. “Are you joking?”
    â€œNo, my dear, it was given to me by a witch I have known many centuries.”
    â€œAnd you trust this, this charm?” His face reflected doubt and also hope.
    Bryn shoved the black velvet bag into the outside pocket of a brightly-colored carpet bag and Quinn grabbed her wrist. “You mean we can consummate our relationship in a normal way?”
    She smiled. “There’s no time to explain fully. Hurry and pack. We must leave immediately.”
    Quinn snagged her arm. “Oh no you don’t. Finish telling me. What does this charm do?”
    She grinned at him mischievously. “You must wait. We have to leave.”
    â€œThe minute we are alone, you will explain.”
    She tilted her head. “Of course, and I guarantee you the wait will be worthwhile.”
    When all the bags were downstairs, Fingle loaded them into her carriage and Bryn hugged Babbette. The maid could not leave Paris. She was tied to it in a very strange way and would wither and die it she left. She’d been caring for Bryn’s home for two hundred years.
    â€œSend me a message when you are safe,” Babbette said.
    Bryn kissed the maid’s cheek. “I will. Take care of yourself.”
    Babbette’s shrug spoke volumes. She smiled and waved as Bryn climbed into the carriage. Fingle mounted the box and headed the horses in the direction of the Eifel Tower and the Paris Exposition.
    * * * *
    The Titan was easy to find. It rested in a large field on the outskirts of the Expo. Bryn leaped down and went hunting for Samantha who was integral to her plan. Her dear friend had her head crammed into the engine compartment under the metal shroud encasing one of the huge engines hanging under the floating gas bag. There were two engines flanking the passenger compartment. Each brass shroud concealed an engine as large as the passenger cabin.
    She tapped on Sam’s back. Her friend started, bumped her head on the shroud and backed rapidly out of the engine. “Bryn, you scared me nearly witless. Why are you here?”
    Bryn glanced left and then right to make sure no one could overhear. “We must leave immediately. Priest is still after us. He sent snakes into the house.”
    Sam had a smudge of grease on her cheek and her curly brown hair was a mess. “Where will we go?”
    â€œThe Belgian Congo. The witch doctor is there.”
    Sam’s round eyes were filled with confusion. “How?”
    Bryn rolled her eyes in the direction of the airship.
    â€œNo! You can’t.”
    Bryn shrugged. “Why not? You and Tomlinson can fly it. Can you not?”
    â€œWell yes, but what about Commodore Brightstone? He does own it.”
    â€œIs he here?”
    Sam nodded.
    â€œThen I suggest we take him. I’ll have a talk with him right now.”
    â€œBryn, this is crazy.”
    Bryn grabbed Sam’s shoulders. “You think I am unaware of this fact? We are desperate, Sam. Now is not the time for feminine histrionics. Now is the time to act. Show Fingle where to stow the luggage.”
    Sam nodded. “I will, but I don’t think the Commodore is going to be happy.”
    Bryn waved. “The Commodore is going to be delirious with joy at the opportunity to accompany us to Africa.”
    The Commodore, his hands locked behind his back, strolled leisurely around the outside of the airship at the head of a small group of Parisian officials. As he expounded on the speed and efficacy of his two engines, Bryn slipped into the group of four men dressed in three-piece suits, ties and bowler hats. Two carried canes and one periodically checked an enormous timepiece.
    Separating the Commodore from the herd would be the trick. She pulled her blouse lower to expose her cleavage and tugged at his sleeve. The Commodore turned to speak to her and his eyes dropped to her breasts. He smiled. “How may I help you,